Political parties, media associations flay assault on scribes

Chennai: The alleged assault on journalists by Andhra Pradesh police while they were covering a protest against visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Tirupati Wednesday drew condemnation from media associations and political parties here.

The Chennai Press Club, Reporters' Guild and Consortium of Journalists of India, besides political parties, including Congress, MDMK and PMK, condemned the attack.

Press Club Joint Secretary Bharathy Tamizhan said some of the journalists were also detained by police which amounts to challenging press freedom. He said the issue will be taken upwith the Press Council of India (PCI).

The Madras Reporters' Guild urged the Andhra government to take steps to enable the press to discharge their duties in a free and fair manner.

Expressing concern over journalists injured in the attack, Guild President R Rangaraj demanded compensation for the affected media persons as many cameras were damaged.

Condemning the incident, CJI General Secretary, A Selvaraj, said the journalist of a private news channel was attacked despite showing his identity card.

TNCC President EVKS Elangovan slammed the alleged attack on media, saying it was against the democratic ethos of the country and demanded action against erring officials.

The Andhra Pradesh government should announce compensation for the injured journalists besides damaged equipment, he said in a statement.

Slamming the police for the "unprovoked attack", PMK founder Ramadoss said the media was provided with adequate facilities to even cover wars.